Construction Policy Research Institute Signs Research Cooperation MOU with Japan Construction Economic Research Institute

Cooperation to Address Common Challenges Such as Population Decline and Decarbonization

The Korea Institute of Construction Policy (hereinafter referred to as KICP) announced on the 27th that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for mutual research cooperation and exchange with the Japan Construction Economic Research Institute in Tokyo on the 26th.

Kim Hee-su, President of the Korea Construction Policy Institute (left), is signing a research cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Motoi Sasaki, Chairman of the Japan Construction Economy Research Institute, in Tokyo, Japan on the 26th. / Photo by Korea Construction Policy Institute

Through this MOU, the two organizations agreed to cooperate in addressing common challenges and proposing development directions for the construction industries of Korea and Japan. Common issues that both countries' construction industries need to resolve include population decline, shortage of working-age population, stagnation in construction industry employment, utilization of foreign labor, decarbonization, and advancing aging infrastructure.

Although the operating environments of the construction industries in Korea and Japan differ, KICP explained that there are many similarities in terms of system operation. Accordingly, both sides agreed to maintain a close cooperative relationship based on practical cooperation and information exchange.

Kim Hee-su, President of KICP, stated, "We hope that through practical and active exchanges and cooperation, understanding of the construction industries and systems of both countries will deepen, and research capabilities will be enhanced." He added, "We will contribute to the development of the construction industries in both countries through the exchange of construction policy-related information and joint research."

Following the signing of the MOU, discussions continued regarding the joint hosting of an international academic seminar. Subsequently, both sides visited the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to discuss construction issues, responses to labor shortages, and Japanese cases related to the utilization of smart construction technologies, while also exchanging opinions on Korea's current progress.